The most unusual Triple Crown in the history of horse racing is not done from experiencing changes. Churchill Downs announced on Thursday that the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place with fans in attendance.
The decision was reportedly made after the track consulted with Gov. Andy Beshear and state public health officials. Not every detail of the event was announced, but a general overview of health-conscious guidelines to limit the spread of coronavirus were put in the press release.
The measures include:
- Limiting tickets to patrons
- Limiting credentials to employees, media and guests
- Limiting access around the venue
- Limiting the barn area to essential personnel
- Changing venue operations to limit person-to-person contact
- Establishing "team member protocols to protect employees and guests"
Churchill Downs is also updating its fan code of conduct to encourage wearing a mask, frequently washing hands for 20 seconds at a time and practicing social distancing.
"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have established a comprehensive set of operating procedures, which include a multitude of precautionary measures to be followed while fans are in attendance at our facility," said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. "We are determined to keep our customers, employees and communities as safe as we responsibly can."
The first race of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, was run last Saturday with significantly more strict precautions related to the ongoing global pandemic. No fans were in attendance and personnel throughout the grounds were kept to a minimum.
The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Sept. 5.
